April 2024 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for April 30, 2024 – Listen to God in all things…and eat your vegetables!

Psalm 5:8-12
Lord, lead me as you promised me you would; otherwise my enemies will conquer me. Tell me clearly what to do, which way to turn. For they cannot speak one truthful word. Their hearts are filled to the brim with wickedness. Their suggestions are full of the stench of sin and death. Their tongues are filled with flatteries to gain their wicked ends. O God, hold them responsible. Catch them in their own traps; let them fall beneath the weight of their own transgressions, for they rebel against you.

But make everyone rejoice who puts his trust in you. Keep them shouting for joy because you are defending them. Fill all who love you with your happiness. For you bless the godly man, O Lord; you protect him with your shield of love.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

A friend shared a meme on Facebook that said…

Mom’s Favorite Sayings

What part of no don’t you understand?
I don’t care who started it!
Money doesn’t grow on trees.
Your face is going to freeze like that.
Your hands are not broken.
Beds are made for sleeping, not jumping.
No one said life is fair.
Eat your vegetables.
I don’t know is NOT an answer.
Because I said so…that’s why!

My friend noted that she could hear her late mother – along with several teachers – saying these things. I would like to suggest that GOD also offers this wisdom – and much more – to us. The question is…are we paying attention? Are we listening to God’s voice over the din of others who want us to think, speak, and act this way or that? Are we trusting God to guide us perfectly – even when what He tells us runs counter to what others say or how we would rather behave? Are we operating in God’s truths rather than those that make us fit in or feel good in the moment?

As our kids enter the teenage years and the children of friends prepare to go to college and beyond, I am keenly aware of how badly I want to impress upon all of them that their worth in God’s eyes is enough. I want to convince these young people that what God tells them – how and where He leads them – is all that matters. There are plenty of adults who still need to learn this lesson, too. I speak from experience as a former “people pleaser” who truly wanted to make others happy and comfortable. And too many times, this came at a compromise of my own worth. Even when I knew that what others tried to convince me did not line up with God’s message, I went along with it. Certain “rules” and rituals of the church readily come to mind.

I also recall times when I stood up in the workplace or elsewhere for what I knew was right and true in God’s eyes – and this “cost” me in terms of relationships – and at least one job. But I can tell you, the old adage that “when God closes a door, He opens a window,” is absolutely true. And He saw me through every difficulty (and blessed me in the process), and I know He will keep on doing this for the rest of my life.

Listen to God. Understand how precious you are to Him – and how much He loves you. Trust God in hard decisions and lean on His “understanding” over your own and that of others. Stop letting others shame or bully you into saying and doing things that you know are not God-ordained. Enjoy the peace and protection of our Heavenly Father…and revel in the joy of His love and care. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for April 29, 2024 – Praying, listening, and loving as Christ commands – it’s time to let go and let God have complete control

Psalm 5:1-7
O Lord, hear me praying; listen to my plea, O God my King, for I will never pray to anyone but you. Each morning I will look to you in heaven and lay my requests before you, praying earnestly.

I know you get no pleasure from wickedness and cannot tolerate the slightest sin. Therefore, proud sinners will not survive your searching gaze, for how you hate their evil deeds. You will destroy them for their lies; how you abhor all murder and deception.

But as for me, I will come into your Temple protected by your mercy and your love; I will worship you with deepest awe.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

I listened to three sermons yesterday, and each of them had a relevant message for the days in which we are living. The first was delivered by Dr. John Robbins, Senior Pastor of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock. His theme was… “follow God’s instructions.” Dr. Robbins cited several examples where he had stubbornly tried to figure out something on his own, and once he relented and read the instructions, everything fell into place. As I read these verses in Psalm 5, I thought about how God clearly outlines how we are to speak, think and act – and He confirms and energizes these behaviors when we communicate with Him in prayer.

The second sermon was delivered by Rev. Betsy Singleton Snyder, Senior Pastor of Pinnacle View UMC – also in Little Rock. Her sermon, titled “Are All Non-Christians Going to Hell” talked about different Christian “heritages” and their specific ideologies…from Pluralism to Christian Exclusion and Christian Inclusion – to Christian Universalism. Each group fosters a different view of what it means to be “Christian” – and the path to Eternal Life in Heaven. Rev. Singleton Snyder suggested that we consider the love of God for all…and His desire that not a single one of us perish. Again, as I thought of this scripture passage, I realized that God does not condone evil…but He constantly strives to correct each of us and return us to a right standing with Him and a position of loving and serving as He commands. And God is plenty capable of handling this on His own – without any “assistance” from us!

The third sermon was delivered by David Clark, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Heber Springs. Clark’s message centered on Paul’s letters to the Corinthians that admonished the people to stop arguing and fighting among themselves. Again, with a theme that God loves all of us, Clark made the comment that he finds it sad that people who vehemently disagree on an issue cannot sit together these days and have a civil conversation. He noted that there are basic commands given to us by Jesus…love God with all our heart, mind and soul – and “love one another as God loves us.” When we keep these at the forefront and live in them, we should be able to trust God for the details as we strive to get along with others.

Consider what could happen if, we agreed to trust God to sort out our differences, rather than refuse to interact with a fellow child of God because he/she doesn’t approach their faith in God as we do. Imagine what could happen if we prayerfully followed God’s instructions for our own lives – and let others do the same while we showed them the love, grace, mercy, and kindness demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

Envision a world where we stopped judging others and genuinely asked God to show us how to live and love – and represent Him to others in the process – and left the rest up to Him. The possibilities are astounding, Divine, and Eternal – and I think we should all give it a whirl. In my mind, the worst that could happen is that we might have an interaction with another child of God that revealed our Heavenly Father’s true desire – and His capacity to love us all equally. By following God’s instructions, we might actually find a deeper relationship with Him and others – and experience His love in a new, more profound and meaningful way in the process.

Follow God’s instructions. Let Him sort out the judgment and correction. Love God with all your heart – and love others as He commands. If we do these three things, I believe amazing things can happen for God’s Kingdom. It’s surely worth a shot! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for April 28, 2024 – It’s time for courage…God is with us all the way!

Psalm 4:3-8
Mark this well: The Lord has set apart the redeemed for himself. Therefore he will listen to me and answer when I call to him. Stand before the Lord in awe, and do not sin against him. Lie quietly upon your bed in silent meditation. Put your trust in the Lord, and offer him pleasing sacrifices.

Many say that God will never help us. Prove them wrong, O Lord, by letting the light of your face shine down upon us. Yes, the gladness you have given me is far greater than their joys at harvest time as they gaze at their bountiful crops. I will lie down in peace and sleep, for though I am alone, O Lord, you will keep me safe.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Greg and I watched a segment on CBS Sunday Morning about long-time network anchor and reporter, Dan Rather. One video clip showed Rather signing off the CBS Evening News for the last time. Rather offered one word to his viewers…“Courage!”

Dan Rather knows a lot about courage…in his lifetime, he has “been there, done that,” and seen more than most of us can ever imagine. From civil rights unrest to wars in every corner of the world to Presidencies from Truman to Biden, Rather has been front and center for many of the world’s best – and worst – moments. And his admonition to others is…“Courage!”

You and I need a big dose of courage these days. As the Psalmist reminds us, God will prove all naysayers wrong. He will help those of us who steadfastly trust Him and seek to serve as He commands. God will guide and guard us. His assurance and comfort will enable us to sleep in peace and confidence. Because of God’s infallible promises, we can indeed take courage – and we must!

Whatever you are facing…God is with you. Wherever He sends you, God will be with you all the way. God will never leave us…He will never fail to hear our prayers – and answer perfectly. We are human – we get scared, we worry, and we doubt. And the Psalmist reminds us that God is not swayed…those who trust and serve Him will be safe and saved. Take courage! God is in complete control! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for April 27, 2024 – Serving the LORD with reverence and humility – a lesson for all God’s leaders and servants

Psalm 2:10-12
O kings and rulers of the earth, listen while there is time. Serve the Lord with reverent fear; rejoice with trembling. Fall down before his Son and kiss his feet before his anger is roused and you perish. I am warning you—his wrath will soon begin. But oh, the joys of those who put their trust in him!

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

“If there is one word that defined David Pryor – and the essence of his character – it is integrity.” – President Joe Biden

Last week, Arkansas lost a true statesman – 89-year-old David Hampton Pryor – who died of natural causes at his Little Rock home on April 20, 2024. A former member of the state House of Representatives, U.S. congressman, governor, and U.S. Senator, David Pryor leaves a legacy of leadership and dignity that is widely recognized and revered by people on both sides of the political aisle – and around the world.

A Washington Post article about Pryor included a recollection he once made to a reporter at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Then-Governor Pryor was working late one night and personally answered a phone call from someone who insisted on speaking with a person “no lower than the governor himself.” Pryor is said to have replied, “Ma’am, there is no one lower than the governor himself.”

If only this was our attitude today…in every walk of life! What if we all realized that as servants of the Most High God, we are all called to be humble, meek and lowly as we interact with others. What if we realized that every single person is equally important to God. What if, for all practical purposes, we ditched the “hierarchy” and simply interacted as human beings…each in need of a Savior and eager to serve Him with fear and trembling. Imagine if our daily aim was to go where God sends us, and to minister to others as He directs – full stop!

Today’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette contains a column written by Paul Prather, a rural pastor in Kentucky, who relates that at the age of 19, he had an epiphany. Prather had given up on God and declared himself an atheist. Then one night, God appeared to Prather in his bedroom and showed him a stadium filled with people at the University of Kentucky, where the young man was soon to enroll. Prather “saw” God enter the heart of one person after another and fill them with unconditional love. He realized that the vengeful, punishing God of his childhood was not real…God is 100% pure love – for each of us!

Prather remembers audibly telling God that He was nothing like he’d been told. And he went on to tell readers that God loves each of us “beyond all human understanding.” I believe David Pryor understood this, too, and I thank God for his example of how to govern, lead and serve. This should be our aim, as well. Regardless of our “station” or how “low” or “high” we are, it’s time to start operating in love, humility, and genuine service of others – for the glory of God, who loves us all. We are incredibly loved servants of the Most High God. It’s time to act like it! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for April 26, 2024 – Pine cones, pollen, and peer pressure…who are you choosing to follow?

Psalm 1
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely.

They are like trees along a riverbank bearing luscious fruit each season without fail. Their leaves shall never wither, and all they do shall prosper.

But for sinners, what a different story! They blow away like chaff before the wind. They are not safe on Judgment Day; they shall not stand among the godly.

For the Lord watches over all the plans and paths of godly men, but the paths of the godless lead to doom.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Our driveway is lined today with those little brown “curly-cues” from pine trees. I did some research and learned that these are the spent male flowers that release pollen, which is carried by the wind to the “female” cones for pollination. This is where some who do an Internet search for “male” and “female” pine cones will probably add a funny comment about the “female” cones being the ones that are more “spiked” and “thorny!” But let’s admit, this is God at His most magnificent and creative as He designed a way for pine trees to reproduce without the need for birds and insects to intercede.

Here’s the thing…the wind doesn’t always carry that pollen to the “female” pine cones. Some of it ends up in our eyes, ears, throats, and noses! For a few weeks each spring, the pine trees we love for so many reasons become Public Enemy #1 – or at least one of several culprits that make us cough and sneeze. And once the pollination is complete, the “male” cones are useless. So they end up on our driveways and in our yards – and clog our rain gutters – and the wind and rain (and leaf blowers, mowers, and human hands) carry them away.

Now I bet you wonder where I am headed with this analogy, so I will tell you. Sometimes, we get caught up in the “wonder and excitement” of something or someone, and we don’t see the whole picture. And yes, it’s a stretch to compare selfish, dishonest, evil people to the pollination of a pine tree. But often in both situations, something (or someone) we love may look great on the surface, but when we dig deeply, we learn that there is more to the story.

We have learned to adapt and adjust somewhat to the pine pollen – to stay indoors more during the weeks when our furniture is coated in yellow dust, to wear masks when mowing or doing other outdoor activities, and to take antihistamines when necessary to counteract the ill effects of the pollen. But sometimes, we keep going along with someone or something we know is bad for us…or just plain wrong…and the reasons are vast.

Some of us like being part of a group – that sense of “belonging” – so much so that we will do just about anything to be accepted. We will “go along to get along” or compromise our own values just to be part of the tribe. Sometimes, we let others convince us that their ideas and ways of doing things are actually better than our own – even when we know in our hearts that God says otherwise. And there are times when we are swayed by the lure of “riches,” success, or other material “benefits.” Sadly, some are made to feel that they risk being unloved if they don’t think, speak, and act a certain way.

The Psalmist tells us that there is joy, freedom, and great reward in seeking the ways of God – and always following them! Even when this is hard or seems to lead to ridicule, exile, or downright persecution, God is still with those who stick with Him. And like the little pollen flowers that are blown away after their moment of “glory,” those who purport to live in falsehoods, deceit, and even downright evil will eventually be scattered to the four winds, as God has promised.

God will not tolerate dishonesty and disregard for His commands. It may seem so in the moment…or for a season. And the “lure” of what is offered by some may seem great. But God’s rewards are better! Be like the trees that grow along the riverbank, produce good fruit, and never wither. Avoid those who try to sway you to come over to their “side” just as you do your best to avoid the pollen in spring. Stick with God and follow His commands…and He will always take care of you! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for April 25, 2024 – God can read human hearts…it’s time for us to clean up our act!

Proverbs 15:11-12
Even hell holds no secrets from God—
do you think he can’t read human hearts?
Know-it-alls don’t like being told what to do;
they avoid the company of wise men and women.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

A few days ago, I mentioned that I recently read The Village Healer’s Book of Cures by Jennifer Sherman Roberts. This historical fiction recalls the life of a young widow who learned herbal medicine from her mother, grandmother, and other women in a small village outside of London, England, in 1646. Along comes a man who declared himself to be the “Witchfinder General” (and falsely insists he is sanctioned by Parliament), and he makes all sorts of claims to the villagers that convince them this woman is a witch and should be hanged. In fact, this self-appointed charlatan has set himself up as an “authority” and “witchfinder,” and he has traveled through several villages condemning local healers and hanging them as witches.

Like this Proverb describes, the man is secretive and a “know-it-all” who avoids the company of anyone who might question his claims and motives. He “leads” with arrogance and selfishness and all but dares anyone to challenge his pronouncements. Ultimately, the readers learn the truth about this man – and the secrets he harbored – demons in his own life that made him truly evil. The villagers may not have known all this man’s specific sins and wrongdoings…but I assure you that God knew. And as Solomon reminds us in Proverbs 15:11, God can read our human hearts.

You may never say an untoward word aloud or do anything that others would deem to be disrespectful, dishonest, arrogant or selfish. But if you curse someone as he/she walks away, God knows. You may be cordial and pretend to be accepting and kind toward certain people…all while loathing them privately. And God sees your hypocrisy. You may think you are guarding your reputation, or protecting another person’s feelings by suppressing what you really think and feel…but you’re not fooling God for even a split second!

This is not to suggest that we should simply “let it all hang out” and see what happens! Often when we hide our true feelings and sugarcoat our words, we know in the moment that God would not approve of our words and actions. After all, when we do this, we are insulting and denigrating God’s children…each one as precious to Him as you and I. And those who make false claims and seek the company of people and groups who will listen and believe them are wasting God-given energy – and disavowing any commitments to love and serve as He commands.

We are all guilty of saying hurtful and unseemly things about others under our breath or behind closed doors. And we are all wrong for doing so. Even if nobody ever sees or hears these things, GOD KNOWS! And pleasing God is all that matters. So choose your words – and your company – wisely. Speak and act in a way that brings honor and glory to your LORD and Master. Let’s get real here…it’s way past time for many of us to clean up our act. This is the perfect day to get started! Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for April 24, 2024 – Speaking and acting with wisdom, discernment and restraint…it’s time to operate fully in God’s truths!

Proverbs 14:14-18
A mean person gets paid back in meanness,
a gracious person in grace.
The gullible believe anything they’re told;
the prudent sift and weigh every word.
The wise watch their steps and avoid evil;
fools are headstrong and reckless.
The hotheaded do things they’ll later regret;
the coldhearted get the cold shoulder.
Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion;
wise realists plant their feet on the ground.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

We’ve all been there…someone has said something mean or derisive to us, and it stung. And maybe this changed our relationship with that person for a long time – if not permanently! Words matter. Actions matter! And too many people speak and act with the attitude that their opinions and attitudes are superior – or at best, they think they will “seek forgiveness later.” This is not the behavior of a faithful, obedient servant of God…and no amount of “spit and polish” is going to make this palatable.

I like to think I am not someone who holds grudges – or keeps score. I can offer you a list of things that have been said and done to me that changed my life (or my relationship with someone) for the better – and others that left a lasting, negative impression. Words and actions have the power to change hearts and minds, so we need to make sure that what we offer to the world comes from God – and not the devil.

Let’s ask God to give us a spirit of patience and thoughtfulness. Let’s ask Him to help us weigh every word and action – even when split-second decisiveness is needed. Let’s ask God to help us operate fully in His truth, in the reality of His love, grace, mercy, and kindness. Let’s ask God to grant us wisdom, discernment, and restraint! The world could use more of all these qualities…and God will help us deliver them in abundance. All we have to do is ask Him. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for April 23, 2024 – Seeking sensible instruction and using sound judgment…are you sure you can trust your “messenger?”

Proverbs 13:14-17
Sensible instruction
is a life-giving fountain
that helps you escape
all deadly traps.
Sound judgment is praised,
but people without good sense
are on the way to disaster.
If you have good sense,
you will act sensibly,
but fools act like fools.
Whoever delivers your message
can make things better
or worse for you.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

It happened to me again last week…for a hot minute, I believed the information of a trusted “friend” on Facebook, only to discover his “news” was not true. A local meteorologist I follow showed photos of a giant water moccasin said to be swimming in Lake Ouachita in south Arkansas. Several people noted that they have seen some really big snakes there…but then one person said, “I saw this same post somewhere else last year!” Sure enough…more people began to say this was an old post – purportedly to be from another state on another waterway.

I have no doubt that the meteorologist thought these photos and the accompanying data were valid…he is not given to false reporting. But it just goes to show how easily you and I can be duped. And nowhere do we have to be more careful these days than media of all kinds. Just because we see something on the Internet – or read it in the newspaper – doesn’t make it so. And this brings me to the last verse of this passage…“Whoever delivers your message can make things better or worse for you.”

My example shows that even trusted “messengers” can sometimes provide misleading or false information. I would have been embarrassed if I had shared the post about the snake. But it wouldn’t be the end of the world. However, if I share claims that run counter to scripture, intend to disparage or demean a certain person or group, or misinterpret God’s word and commands, I can do great harm. We need look no further than the wild claims and rumors that swirled during the COVID pandemic – or the declarations of certain “people of faith” that God’s blessings are only offered to those from this religious belief or that group or lifestyle – to see the damage that can be done.

Yes, it is often tedious work to get to the truth. God never promised us “easy.” But He did give us everything we need to know…every command, proverb, and lesson to guide and guard us. God gave us His word – and the privilege of direct communication with Him 24/7 – so that we can dig deeply and find His truth over the din and dishonesty of the world. The rest is up to us. It seems to me that Solomon is telling us that we have a choice…we can assume that what others tell us is right and true. We can go along to get along and simply accept the words and actions of the crowd – or the claims and tenets of the people and groups to whom we wish to belong. Or we can do the hard work of getting to know God for ourselves – and strive to always speak and act as He commands.

As Solomon tells us…“Sensible instruction is a life-giving fountain that helps you escape all deadly traps. Sound judgment is praised, but people without good sense are on the way to disaster. Whoever delivers your message can make things better or worse for you.” My prayer is that we would dig deeply, seek God’s sensible instruction, use good sense, and only trust and serve one Messenger. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for April 22, 2024 – Living a “careful life” that glorifies God – and demonstrates His teachings of love and kindness

Proverbs 13:1-3
Intelligent children listen to their parents;
foolish children do their own thing.
The good acquire a taste for helpful conversation;
bullies push and shove their way through life.
Careful words make for a careful life;
careless talk may ruin everything.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

A few weeks ago, our nephew got a haircut. The new “do” looked great – and he was proud of his appearance…until classmates made fun of him using a derogatory phrase. Our boy’s feelings were really hurt, but his mother wisely talked with him about taking the high road…noting that some of these friends have difficult times of it at home – and perhaps they thought the way to elevate themselves was to deride others.

God gave Solomon words to share with us about such situations…“The good acquire a taste for helpful conversation; bullies push and shove their way through life.” While this is true, when you are almost 12 and your friends make fun of your haircut, it stings. The name I was given for my new 5th-grade haircut was not nearly as caustic…but it “stuck” – and I didn’t enjoy it. I recall my own mother telling me on several occasions that “bullies make fun of you because they like you and/or are jealous.” She later realized that this was not necessarily the case, and she admitted that she wished she had offered more sympathetic advice.

Mother said she wished she had told us that bullies and people who are foolish and careless with their words and actions are not to be excused…that we are to rise above these situations and do our best to refuse to give such behaviors any “legs.” It’s sound advice for all of us. Don’t give an ear to those who speak and act foolishly or carelessly. Avoid situations where you are placed in the company of such folks. When this is unavoidable, don’t play into their malevolence. Change the subject. Speak of things that are positive and truthful. Don’t give gossip and untruths any encouragement.

When others push and shove…make snide or snarky remarks…or behave in a manner that is dishonest, inappropriate, distasteful, or disconcerting in some way, double down on efforts to present the opposite characteristics. I know it is cliché, but “kill ‘em with kindness!” Offer words of encouragement, speak gently and positively, change the subject when possible…and walk away when necessary.

We don’t have to go along to get along…and we don’t have to make ourselves “whipping boys” for bullies, liars, and frauds. God has called us to live a “careful life” that demonstrates faithfulness to the commands and teachings of Jesus – and to always speak and act in a way that expresses love and kindness for everyone. Ask God to guide and guard your words and actions – and always to help you to be careful – in every sense of the word. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for April 21, 2024 -Serving God with humble, faithful obedience – are you the “real deal” or a false witness?

Proverbs 10:32 and 11:1-7
The speech of a good person clears the air;
the words of the wicked pollute it.

God hates cheating in the marketplace;
he loves it when business is aboveboard.
The stuck-up fall flat on their faces,
but down-to-earth people stand firm.
The integrity of the honest keeps them on track;
the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin.
A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart,
but a principled life can stand up to the worst.
Moral character makes for smooth traveling;
an evil life is a hard life.
Good character is the best insurance;
crooks get trapped in their sinful lust.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Last night, I went back for Timothy’s second performance with his high school theatre troupe in “Crumpled Classics.” As I anticipated, the actors were more relaxed and comfortable in front of a crowd – and the performance was even better than that of opening night. As we stood around afterward waiting for the actors to receive their accolades and pose for photos, I looked at the crowd. I saw everyday, ordinary folks…hardworking parents and grandparents who surely each have a story to tell in their own lives. I saw proud family and friends carrying bouquets of flowers and other gifts to bestow on their particular actor. I saw people who appeared to be from every walk of life…all there to celebrate their kiddos and revel in their accomplishments.

I also noted a half dozen or more teachers and school administrators who helped with this production… a middle school science teacher who ran the lighting and sound…the elementary GATE teacher, the middle school band director and the elementary school librarian who sold tickets in the lobby… a surely-weary-but-still-smiling high school principal who came to support her students and staff, to name a few. I know that none of these folks makes a huge salary…that they have plenty of things to do besides attend rehearsals and performances of a high school play – or any other school-sanctioned activity for that matter. And yet, they gave of their time and talents to nurture and enable these kids to grow and learn.

Opening night, I overheard the theatre director/teacher tell the troupe… “If you have something that is dirty, put it in this basket and I will wash it! If you take it home, you will forget to bring it back tomorrow.” I smiled to myself and thought… “This is what many teachers do…they spend their Saturdays washing the laundry of their students (literally and figuratively).” This theater/stagecraft teacher spends countless hours in after-school rehearsals and preparation for the performances of her students from 8th to 12th grade – and her radiant smile and enthusiasm are evidence that she loves each kid and her work.

I am singling out teachers today, but I know there are dedicated people in every occupation and walk of life…dedicated mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, and grandparents who speak truthfully, work diligently at whatever they are called to do, and serve others at every turn. I will go so far as to say there are humble, upright public servants, leaders, and elected officials. I also believe there are “bad apples” in every group…those who are “in it to win it,” seek ill-gotten or selfish gain, or who simply like to stir up trouble. These are the folks who claim to be one thing while demonstrating another…those who hide behind money, power (or perceived importance), arrogance, privilege…and yes, even the name of Jesus Christ.

There are people who pollute the air with unkind and untrue claims on social media and in other “public” outlets, often made all the worse because they hide behind their “Christian faith” while doing so and/or insist that God endorses their claims. These are the ones who dare to say in a manner of speaking – or to ask outright – “Do you know who I am?” These are the ones who insist that laws were made for the other guy, that they are justified to “cook the books” or look down on certain people and groups, and they can buy their way out of anything!

The God-given proverbs of Solomon have application to us today…and thankfully, we do indeed have dedicated, faithful servants who are modeling them. The question becomes…are you among these folks? Are you someone who speaks the truth, loves others with the love of Christ, and humbly serves as God commands? Are you someone who faithfully and obediently speaks and acts as God desires and directs…even when He sends you where you don’t want to be and instructs you to do things that make you uncomfortable or weary? Are you a “hard-working-drama-teacher-who-does-her-student’s-laundry-on-a-Friday-night-for-a-Saturday-performance” kind of disciple of Christ?

God is calling on you and me to be faithful, humble, obedient servants…to go where He sends us – and to speak and act in a manner that brings Him honor and glory. He is calling us to be “the real deal” in our discipleship rather than an arrogant, dishonest, false witness. I promise you, people can tell the difference – and more importantly, so can God! Alleluia!

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